What does the lion represent?
Rashi: This is Melech Bavel, which was ruling at the time 1 . Also Yirmeyah saw it [compared to a lion and eagle] ? "Alah Arye mi'Subecho", "cha'Nesher Yid'eh." Malbim ? Bavel ruled over the entire world, like a lion, which is the strongest animal. The other kingdoms were inferior. Nebuchadnetzar saw in his dream a head of gold, for Bavel was greatest. Also Yechezkel saw a lion above (on the Merkavah). The flag of Ashur and Bavel had a lion on it.
Ibn Ezra (14, citing Rav Sadya Gaon): It refers to Nebuchadnetzar, after he returned to be like a human 2 .
What is the significance of an eagle's wings?
Ibn Ezra (14): The two wings refer to Nebuchadnetzar's son Evil Merodach and his grandson Belshatzar.
Malbim: This hints to flying quickly to conquer the world.
What is the significance of the feathers coming off the wings?
Rashi: This hints to its downfall.
Malbim: In the days of Belshatzar, Bavel did not do valiantly. It did not raise wings to conquer lands. Madai u'Faras fought in its gates, and Bavel was not strong against them ? its wings already shed their feathers.
What is the significance of leaving the ground?
Rashi: This hints to the kingdom ceasing from the land.
Malbim: He saw Belshatzar's death ? he was taken from the ground, and killed.
What is the significance of standing on legs like a human?
Malbim: It was no longer a lion that tears and roars. It stood on two legs ? only Bavel and Kasdim. Human legs are weak.
Why did it have a human heart?
Rashi: This hints to weakness, like "Yed'u Goyim Enosh Hemah."
Ibn Ezra (14): Initially, Kasdim tore like a lion. After their king was killed, they got a human heart, which is smaller than a lion's.
Malbim: Bavel's strength ceased. The lion ceased to be among the Chayos.
